How To Smoothly Bring A Dog To Work

As a dog lover, you may believe that working hard – or even running a business –  would be more enjoyable with a furry friend. Also, if you spend hours watching a puppy cam, you may be more productive with your pup right by your side. It can help create a happier, more productive office environment, inspiring employees to bring their own dogs to work. 

But that doesn’t mean that sharing your workplace with a pet is a walk in the park.

 My main concern is the dog’s wellbeing. [...] Is work really a place they will not only be comfortable but will also enjoy? Will they be able to rest while they’re there? Taking care of the dog’s emotional and physical needs is paramount.

—Dr. Linda Randall, veterinarian and dog trainer, One Smart Dog

Here are things to consider before bringing your dog to work.

1. Why bring your dog to work?

Should you bring a dog to work? Figuring out your “why” is important, according to Dr. Linda Randall, a veterinarian and professionally-certified dog trainer. 

“If you’re bringing the dog solely because you would enjoy having them at work, we need to dig a little deeper and confirm that is a match with their needs,” she says.

Once you’ve discovered your ‘why,’ you’ll be prepared to talk to your team about the plan.

2. Are your colleagues supportive of dogs at work?

You love your dog. You may believe that your co-workers will feel the same. But before you start bringing your dog to the office, it’s also only fair to talk to your team first.

For example, someone on your team could have a severe allergy or fear of dogs. Others may be hoping for quiet in the office, rather than distractions like the ones they might have at home. While return-to-office plans are evolving, it’s important to be mindful of varying preferences.

Business owners may want to set a pet policy before bringing their dog to work. By doing that, you set the tone in a transparent, trustworthy way that’s fair to everyone. It's important to be clear about when and how your employees can bring their own dogs to work.

Even for colleagues who love pups, you need protocols, such as requirements that employees ask the dog’s owner before petting or feeding the dog.

Generally, employees should be aware that even if a dog brings a lively vibe to the office, that doesn’t mean work comes to a halt. The cuteness might continue, but so should the work. Plus, dogs need downtime too, Randall notes.

“The activity of a workplace is often stressful if they feel they have to be alert to every passer-by.”

3. Is your dog ready to go to work?

At work, your dog will likely be exposed to lots of other people and possibly other dogs. This can be a true test of your dog’s personality.

Are dogs happy at work? Some dogs are very happy with lots of socialization in a new, exciting environment. Other dogs may find this level of simulation stressful.

If you’re unsure, it’s best to provide extra training until you’re confident. Alternatively, you may decide it just isn’t right for your dog at all.

If you try it, look out for changes in behavior that indicate the dog is not relaxed and settled. They’ll need time to adjust, so consider if it’s worth the effort, noting that you and your team will need to adjust as well.

There are other factors to think about. Will your dog be comfortable with your commute? Can the dog handle a full day, or is a half-day more feasible? Who will look after them when you’re in a meeting? You may need to rally a couple of impromptu dog sitters who will keep an eye on the dog when needed.

“Perhaps daycare or a dog walker would be better? Or maybe the dog is doing great at home and doesn’t really need any change at all,” Randall advises. 

4. Is the workplace healthy for your dog?

Dogs need proper attention and care. How will you ensure your dog can exercise, eat, and take bathroom breaks while you’re working the day away?

“My main concern is the dog’s wellbeing,” Randall notes. “Is work really a place they will not only be comfortable but will also enjoy? Will they be able to rest while they’re there? Taking care of the dog’s emotional and physical needs is paramount.”

When you bring your dog to work, they need their normal routine. Considering the conditions for their usual activities is key. Where will your dog eat? Where can you store their food and water? What kind of space is available for walks? Are you willing to devote your breaks to their needs?

If your office is in a neighborhood with plenty of green space, that’s a great start. If you work in a big, busy office in a metropolitan area, consider the time it takes to get your dog out of the building and on a proper walk. Keep in mind that co-workers might stop you on your way out. Also, always pack a bottle of pet cleaner in your dog supply bag.

Cues to Practice Before Bringing Dogs to Work

Stay: You don’t want your dog distressed when you leave momentarily.

Recall: Make sure they come back to you when you call them.

Leave it and drop it: Don’t let them steal people’s food and other office materials.

Down: Not everyone wants a pup on their lap.

You should also be able to read your dog’s behavior, such as when they need to go outside, or when they’re feeling uncomfortable or threatened.

Checklist: How To Know if Your Dog Is Ready for Work

At her dog training center, Dr. Randall’s employees are perhaps more fanatical about tail-wagging co-workers than most. She started with a relaxed policy, simply saying that if employees can continue to work at their best with a dog nearby, they can bring dogs in.

“Needless to say, it did not go well,” she explains. “For one employee ‘bring your dog’ meant, ‘bring all eight of your dogs.’ For another it meant, ‘I’ll have treats on my desk so everyone can keep stopping by because I need to socialize him, and I’ll be socializing non-stop too!’” Of course, productivity dipped. 

Dr. Randall now has a checklist for her staff – how many can you say ‘yes’ to?

Dr. Randall’s Dog Checklist:

• My dog has a go-to-mat behavior and stays there comfortably until asked to do something else or I will bring a crate in which my dog rests quietly and comfortably until let out to do something else.
• My dog likes other dogs and people and does not growl, bark, whine, or bite at either dogs or people.
• My dog is comfortable with strangers and customers – new people will not be a problem.
• My dog walks easily by my side on a leash and does not pull me toward other dogs or people. I find it easy to manage my dog in an office space, in hallways, and through doors.
• My dog is comfortable when I leave him/her alone and will remain comfortable and quiet while I am away from my workspace, on the phone, in a video conference, etc.
• My dog is properly toilet-trained, and I will clean up after my dog.
• My dog is not so large that he/she will block walkways or useful/needed workspace. I’m willing to have my supervisor/manager/employer determine this and will abide by their decision.
• I consider “dog” singular.
• I will only use a flat buckle collar, harness, and/or a head halter with a 4-6’ soft leash while at work or on work premises. I understand that prong collars, e-collars, bark collars, citrus spray collars, beep collars, vibrating collars, chain leashes, and other aversive equipment are not allowed and will abide by this.
• I understand that only positive reinforcement activities will be used with my dog while at work or on work premises. I am able to work at full capacity, with full attention to my job and responsibilities while my dog is with me at work.
• I understand that there will only be one warning, verbal or written, of any infraction or difficulty with my dog and the next infraction means my dog has to stay at home.

Whether you're a business owner, manager, or employee, it's crucial to make sure you're thoughtful about having pups in the office. Learn more about how to create a dog-friendly workplace.

Photo: Getty Images